Manoir de Ponsay

This old bakery has been transformed into a smart, contemporary restaurant that sports a minimalist vibe. Chef Aurélien Jousseaume earned his stripes in Michelin-starred kitchens with the likes of Etchebest, Guy Savoy and Guy Martin. To-ing and fro-ing between his open kitchen and the restaurant floor, the chef, who is clearly having a ball, takes the orders and presents the dishes himself. His delicious seasonal cuisine showcases his flair for creating remarkable sauces and jus: creamy jus of trout roe, sabayon enhanced with smoked salt, watercress and horseradish sauce, veal jus with lovage.

A stone's throw from the church, St André d'Ornay, Welsh chef Nathan Cretney and his partner Solen Pineau run this attractive and discreetly charming restaurant. A palette of soft hues and bare stone walls contribute to the inviting and bang-on-trend decor – just the ticket for an intimate dining space where diners are well looked after. The food reflects regional ingredients and local producers in a creative and refined single set menu that is composed according to what the market has to offer. For an immersive experience, sit at the chef's table right next to the stoves.

In the stylish Logis de la Chabotterie, a historic stately home in deepest Vendée, 2015 MOF chef, Benjamin Patissier, rolls out a polished, creative score that elegantly and savvily shines the spotlight on local produce. In an interior that mingles rustic charm with contemporary details, he delights our tastebuds with signatures such as flame-seared mackerel from Sables d’Olonne and confit of fennel, or Vendée saddle of lamb in a bread crust, escorted by roast artichoke and delicate tarragon-perfumed gravy. The meal finishes on a high note thanks to the talents of pastry chef, Élie Bremont, wh

In his contemporary and elegant restaurant laid out around a lovely patio, Xavier Giraudet creates top-drawer modern cuisine with a focus on vegetables. The various set menus feature local and seasonal produce (sometimes even from the family vegetable garden), expertly cooked and full of flavour. In season, don't miss their exemplary rendition of hare à la royale à la Antonin Carême, a classic dish! A bravura performance.

Xavier Giraudet, chef at La Robe, has opened a second establishment in a bistro vein. Diners know they are in safe hands here as they tuck into traditional, flavourful and generous cuisine: succulent and aromatic pâté en croûte, melt-in-the-mouth black pudding with mashed potatoes, and a dessert inspired by the Paris-Brest, which is as indulgent as they come. You get up from your table with a smile on your face and your finances intact, thanks to the affordable set menus at lunch and dinner. A bright and modern setting; friendly service from the cheerful waitstaff.

This modern and colourful restaurant in the town centre is run by a young couple who have plenty of drive. They have created an evolving menu, never departing from the sacrosanct trio of freshness, tastiness and Vendée ingredients.

In the same plush bourgeois edifice as its parent establishment, La Patte Noire, the vintage-appointed La P’tite Patte bistro occupies the ground-floor. The unfussy, wholesome score shines the spotlight on top-drawer produce, examples of which range from a succulent beef-carrot terrine savvily paired with a warm caper and gherkin dressing to tapilla of Iberian pork, wickedly flanked by crunchy fries cooked in beef tallow. Hunger obliterating, throbbing with big-boned flavours and delicately crafted – hard to beat!